Authorities in Rubavu District have confirmed the closure of border crossings linking Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Rubavu following the resurgence of the Ebola virus in eastern DR Congo.
Rubavu District Mayor, Mulindwa Prosper, told UMUSEKE that the measure came into effect on the morning of Sunday, May 17, 2026, as part of efforts to halt cross-border movement and prevent the deadly virus from spreading into Rwanda.
He explained that Rwandan citizens currently in DR Congo are still being allowed to return home under strict health screening procedures.
“Every Rwandan has the right to return to their country, just as Congolese citizens have the right to return to theirs. At the borders, health authorities are conducting the necessary screening measures,” he said.
According to the mayor, all travelers crossing the border are undergoing Ebola screening, while hygiene measures and public awareness campaigns have also been intensified to educate communities about the disease.
He urged residents to promptly report anyone showing symptoms associated with Ebola and advised citizens to limit unnecessary movement while health authorities continue monitoring the outbreak.
The latest outbreak was first reported at the end of this week in Ituri Province, where the first Ebola patient was identified before additional infections were confirmed.
On Saturday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced that confirmed Ebola cases had risen to 336, with 87 deaths recorded so far.
Reports also indicate that Ebola cases may have been detected in the city of Goma, located near the Rwandan border.
KIGALI TIMES